Just now, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula made it plain that the party views the rise of vigilantism in South Africa as a major danger to the country’s democratic system. At the next National Executive Committee meeting, Mbalula will make it clear that community-led enforcement operations that do not comply with the law are becoming out of control and must be halted.
Mbalula singled out particular groups and individuals, including “March n March,” Ngizwe Mchunu, and Phakel’umthakathi as instances of community action groups that critics are characterising as vigilantism in its purest form. His main point is that he strongly disagrees with the portrayal of South Africa as a lawless society that these actions are creating. His message is crystal clear: everyone must follow the rule of law in South Africa, as the country’s constitution is democratic.
His message was straightforward: “We cannot allow a situation where individuals or groups take the law into their own hands and present themselves as parallel authorities to the state.” He made it clear that the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of criminal cases are exclusively within the purview of the courts and the police. Everyone else. Not neighbourhood watch organisations, not self-styled law enforcers, not a single soul.
Mbalula conceded that residents’ fears and the belief that the system isn’t doing enough to safeguard them may be driving forces behind some of the vigilantism they’re seeing. However, he is arguing that if they try to solve the problem on their own, it will just get worse. It does more harm than good, escalating communal tensions and undermining faith in South Africa’s official justice system.
Put an end to the vigilantism, he told the people plainly. Please notify the authorities if you have any complaints or suspicions regarding illegal activities. They will be able to address the situation appropriately. Additionally, he made it plain that there would be legal repercussions for anybody who encourage or take part in illegal enforcement actions. This is more of a caution than an advice.
Not only will the political ramifications of increasing vigilantism be examined at the NEC conference, but the effectiveness of government and police organisations in maintaining community safety will also be examined. Mbalula concluded by stating that normalising lawlessness is something South Africa cannot afford. Raising legitimate community-police interaction and fortifying state institutions are the only viable options moving ahead. If we want genuine social stability and public safety, that’s the way to go.
So, the true question everyone is asking is this: how can we prevent communities from losing faith in the police and judicial system, which would lead to individuals seeking revenge on their own, and what does this indicate about the capacity of the state to govern?